NW Rivers Swell from Snowpack

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A unusually wet spring and higher than average snowpack are swelling rivers in Oregon and Washington, prompting bridges usually left alone to be opened for even small crafts - much to the chagrin of commuters. Hydrologists say numerous rivers in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington are getting higher than usual water flow, and that water eventually runs off to the Columbia which is 6 inches from reaching flood stage below the I-5 bridge.